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Inetimi Alfred Odon (born 15 August 1980), also referred to by his stage name Timaya, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter. Being from Odi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Timaya is known for combining Nigerian pop with elements of dancehall, hip-hop, and soca, as well as Afro-Caribbean/Dancehall music. He is the founder of DM (Dem Mama) Records Limited.[1]
Timaya's solo career began in 2005 with the release of the single "Dem Mama," which is about the Odi massacre. His debut album, True Story, was released the following year, and his second album, Gift and Grace, was released in 2008. His third studio album, De Rebirth, was released in collaboration with Black Body Entertainment and featured the single "Plantain Boy".[2] He collaborated with Dem Mama Soldiers on the album LLNP (Long Life N Prosperity), released in 2021. And in 2012, Timaya released Upgrade. To date, his work has earned him four Headies Awards, two AFRIMMA Awards, one Nigeria Music Award, and one NEA Award.[3]
Early life
Inetimi Alfred Odon was born on August 15, 1980, in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up as the youngest of 15 children in a large family. His father worked as a banker, while his mother was a trader. For his early education, Timaya attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School.[4] His secondary education began at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt,[2] where he often broke house rules to attend late-night music events. After relocating to Lagos, he enrolled at Ikeja Grammar School where he obtained his secondary school certificate.[5]
Timaya enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt, only to drop out after the first semester due to low grades,[4] eventually moving back to Lagos to join Eedris Abdulkareem's hip-hop group as a backup vocalist.[6] After three years with Eedris, Timaya left the group to pursue a solo career. He began collaborations with fellow new artists and made his first cameo appearance in an unreleased music video by UDX, a Lagos-based rap group.[7] Subsequently, he met producer Obaksolo in Mafoluku, Oshodi, who produced his first major hit record, "Dem Mama", after hearing his a cappella performance.[8] Timaya collaborated with Namse Udosen (Menthol X) on "Pomporo", a track on his debut album True Story.
Career
2005–2009: True Story, Gift and Grace, and De Rebirth
Timaya's solo career began in 2005 with the release of his debut single, "Dem Mama", which recounted the Odi massacre. The song appeared on his debut album, True Story,[9] released the following year to critical acclaim. His second album, Gift and Grace, was released in 2008. He gained international recognition with his third studio album, De Rebirth, released in partnership with Black Body Entertainment. The album, featuring the hit single "Plantain Boy", achieved commercial success.
2010–2017: Upgrade, Epiphany, Bum Bum Remix, and Grammy nomination
In 2010, Timaya was featured on the song "Kokoroko" by the female gospel artist Kefee, which won the Best Collaboration category at the 2010 Headies Awards. On June 25, 2012, Timaya released another album titled Upgrade, which spawned hits like "Bum Bum", "Sexy Ladies", and "Malonogede". The album featured collaborations with Attitude, Terry G, and Vector. Duncan Mighty and Timaya dueted on "I Know I Know Dat", which leaked onto the internet a few hours after Duncan Mighty's album Footprints was released in stores. Both artists were honored at the fourth annual Odudu Music Awards, alongside M-Trill, Sodi Cookey, Becky Enyioma, and Timi Dakolo.[10]
In 2014, Timaya released his fifth studio album titled Epiphany. The album featured 20 tracks, including global hits such as "Bum Bum Remix" featuring Dancehall A-Lister Sean Paul, "Sanko", and "Ukwu". It also included collaborations with 2Baba Idibia, Patoranking, Olamide, Sir Shina Peters, Deethi, Phyno, and Terry G.[11]
In 2017, Timaya performed in Nassau, where he headlined the first-ever Afro-Soca concert. In 2018, he received his first Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. He was featured on Avrakedabra, an album by Morgan Heritage on the track titled "Reggae Night" (global remix). Timaya established his record label, DM Records Limited, which became home to artists like Patoranking and Runtown. In 2017, he signed the young Dancehall/Afro-Fusion artist King Perryy and producer KillerTunes to the DM Records imprint. Later, he collaborated with Kcee on the song "Erima."
Timaya Performing for fans at a tour in Rwanda, April 2022.
2019–2020: Chulo Vibes and Gratitude
After five years of releasing singles, albums, and touring, Timaya released an EP titled Chulo Vibes. This project featured collaborations with Tanzanian artist Alikiba, Trinidadian Soca legend Machel Montano, and Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.[12] His sixth solo studio album, Gratitude, was released in 2020. The album included singles such as "Balance", "I Can't Kill Myself", "Gra Gra", "Don Dada", and "Born To Win" respectively.
2023–present: Gladiator
In 2023, Timaya's 2022 release, "Sweet Us," became a national hit and an anthem for the 2023 general elections,[13] after he reached an agreement with Nyesom Wike's band leader, Bamidele, who was the original creator of the song's chorus.[14]
In 2024, Timaya released Gladiator, his eighth-studio album. During a discussion with African Folder's Ukpeme Udoh, Timaya stated that his life's challenges inspired the album.[15]
Honours
The Inter-Religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) appointed Timaya as a peace ambassador in 2011.[16]
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